Therapy Dog Work

About fifteen months ago I adopted a Jack Russell Terrier from the Norfolk animal shelter. (My previous Jack, KC, had died at the ripe old age of 16 about two years prior to this). My new dog, Jack, seemed to be exceptionally calm for a JRT,  so I decided to see if he could become a therapy dog. ( I had been doing volunteer work at Norfolk Sentara General Hospital and noted two therapy dogs at the spring awards banquet. I said to my wife, "Jack is going to come to this banquet next year". She naturally scoffed at this idea.)

Well, after three obedience courses (beginner, sub-novice, and novice) Jack and I went to be evaluated, and, lo and behold, we passed with flying colors! Jack became a Certified Therapy Dog.

We have been volunteering at Norfolk Sentara General Hospital twice a week, visiting with doctors, nurses, and patients in the burn/trauma, medicine, surgery, and cardiac units, as well as several of the waiting rooms around the hospital complex. Jack has become well known throughout the hospital. We are also visiting the Norfolk Senior Center adult daycare about once every two weeks.

It has been a very rewarding experience - many of the patients say it is the high point of their day!